If patients are receiving other therapies this may affect where they see the speech and language therapist. The appointment letter, or the person who telephones to arrange the appointment, will explain where the appointment is to take place.

The speech and language therapist will allow up to an hour for the first appointment and will discuss with the patient the reason for their appointment. Together, they will form a plan to allow the service to help the patient. Subsequent sessions may be shorter. There will be plenty of time for any questions that the patient might have.

Patients may bring someone with them to their appointment, but will benefit most if they are able to concentrate fully. It is a good idea to make alternative arrangements if they usually have small children with them.

If patients are unable to attend their appointment, they should contact the service as soon as possible. This allows them to reorganise the appointment at a more convenient time and give the appointment to someone else. The speech and language therapist will agree a period of therapy with the patient, which will vary from person to person. At the end of that period, the patient’s progress will be reviewed.

Eligibility criteria (who is the service for?)

This service is for anyone who lives in Milton Keynes or who has a Milton Keynes general practitioner (GP). We may also be able to see you if you have been referred to us by your Milton Keynes Hospital consultant. If someone is receiving speech and language therapy as part of another team, different criteria may apply.

How can someone be referred?

Patients who have a problem with understanding, speaking, or stammering can refer themselves by telephone, post or email.

Patients with problems with swallowing, eating or drinking will need to be referred by their GP.

The service is only able to treat people with voice problems after they have been seen by one of the hospital’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) team. GPs should refer to the ENT service initially.

Alternatively, patients can speak to their GP or another health professional who will be able to refer them or give advice. If patients are unsure, they can telephone the service who will be able to guide them through the process.

The service will automatically arrange ongoing support for patients who have recently seen a speech and language therapist in Milton Keynes Hospital.

We service aims to see everyone as soon as possible, and especially endeavour to see patients within eight weeks of receiving a referral. The team will respond to urgent cases appropriately. Patients are welcome to telephone the service with any questions about waiting times.

Can I use Choose and Book to arrange my first outpatient appointment?

Choose and Book is not applicable to this service.

Service times

The service is available from 09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), although some appointments may be available outside these times. Please let the team know of any specific requirements and we will try to accommodate these.